Global Markets

Since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) became a global pandemic, it has had a significant impact on both the economy and financial markets. Some have likened the fallout to the Global Financial Crisis of 2008. However, there are some important differences between the two, which we'll explore in this article. 1. The 2008 Financial Crisis Caused Great Confusion When the Global Financial Crisis took place, many people had little understanding of…

The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) is Canada's largest and oldest equities trading and capital raising market. The TSX is part of TMX Group, which is a publicly traded company that operates several Canadian markets and clearinghouses for equities, cash, derivatives, fixed income and energy. The TSX dates back to 1852, when it was an association of 12 Canadian businessmen. The exchange was formally founded on 25 October 1861, when 18…

The dawn of the 21st century posed a collection of unique challenges to the world of finance. The dot-com crash of 2000 and the 11 September 2001 World Trade Center attacks (9/11) illustrated the fragility of the capital markets. Although the nature of each event was very different, both proved to be economic game changers. In many ways, the dot-com meltdown and 9/11 served as underpinnings for one of the…

In 2016, Republican U.S. Presidential candidate Donald J. Trump built a campaign on a central theme of American prosperity through rebalancing foreign trade. To accomplish this goal, Trump proposed a complete overhaul of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and an intense review of U.S. policy toward China. Upon winning the presidency in November 2016, Trump's agenda was one step closer to becoming a reality. Throughout the Trump administration's…

Since 1788, every fourth year has brought an election for the Presidency of the United States. During such years, candidates from all walks of life dedicate their time, money and effort in an attempt to earn the highest American political office. While only a select few ever become the President of the United States (POTUS), the electoral process in itself is an institution. Presidential elections are often turning points in…

The U.S. stock market crash of 1929 was the beginning of the longest and deepest decline in stocks in history. It precipitated the failure of about half of the banks in the U.S. and was one of the principal causes of the Great Depression, which lasted about 10 years and engulfed most of the world. The market crash was preceded by a long period of economic prosperity in the U.S.…

Over the course of U.S. President Donald Trump's first term, reducing the U.S. foreign trade deficit became a priority of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). Headed by Robert E. Lighthizer, the USTR spearheaded a campaign of commercial pressures upon numerous international trade partners during 2018 and 2019. China and the European Union (EU) were among the largest targets. Subsequently, the prolonged escalation of tariffs regularly brought the…

Backed by the robust nature of the U.S. economy, the U.S. dollar is the global reserve currency. The U.S. dollar (USD), or "greenback," is the most widely accepted currency in the world, as it accounts for more than 60% of all known foreign exchange reserves held by central banks. The euro is the next-largest global currency and it accounts for 20% of these reserves, making it a distant second to…

Black Monday occurred on 19 October 1987. It represents the largest one day sell off in the history of the U.S. equities markets, led by losses in the DJIA and the S&P 500.

Headquartered at 1 Exchange Square in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is a premier destination for individuals seeking exposure to the African continent. Whether targeting derivative, debt, or equity products, investors frequently engage the JSE with the goal of capitalising upon the growth potential of broader Africa. Licensed and governed by the Financial Markets Act of 2012, the JSE provides an avenue by which corporations can raise…

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is the largest stock exchange in Africa and ranks among the world's top 20 largest exchanges by market capitalisation. The exchange's mission is to help local and international investors and companies gain exposure to capital markets in Africa. In 2003, the JSE launched AltX, an alternative exchange for small and mid-sized listings, also known as the Growth Board. In July 2013, it adopted the Millennium…